October Health – 2025 Report

Life changes in Canada

The leading cause of life changes stress in Canada at the population level is often related to employment and financial issues, such as job loss, job insecurity, or significant changes in income. Other major contributors include health-related events and family changes like divorce or separation. These stressors are common because they directly impact stability and well-being, especially in the workplace context. For supporting employees dealing with such stress, providing access to digital group sessions and mental health assessments, like those from October, can be highly beneficial.

← back to the Report
Life changes Prevalence
24.06%
Affected people
13,233,000

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of High Life Changes Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health Risks

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular issues (e.g., hypertension, heart disease)
    • Weakened immune system leading to frequent illnesses
    • Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or poor sleep quality

  • Mental Health Consequences

    • Heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms
    • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
    • Increased risk of burnout, especially in workplace settings

  • Impact on Personal Life

    • Strained relationships due to irritability or withdrawal
    • Reduced ability to manage daily responsibilities effectively
    • Decreased overall life satisfaction and well-being

Workplace Implications and Support
Employers should consider offering support systems like digital group sessions or assessments, such as those provided by October, to help employees manage stress and maintain mental health. This can improve productivity and reduce absenteeism.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Effect of High Life Changes Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity: High stress levels among employees can lead to decreased concentration, more errors, and lower overall output.

  2. Increased Absenteeism: Stress often causes mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, leading to more sick days and absenteeism.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs: Elevated stress increases the demand for healthcare services, raising costs for employers and public health systems.

  4. Employee Turnover: Stress contributes to job dissatisfaction and burnout, leading to higher turnover rates and associated recruitment/training costs.

  5. Decreased Consumer Spending: Widespread stress can reduce disposable income and consumer confidence, weakening economic demand.

Implementing workplace mental health programs like those offered by October or October’s digital group sessions can mitigate these effects by supporting employees' well-being and maintaining economic stability.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies for a Country to Lower Life Changes Stress

  1. Enhance Social Support Systems
    Develop robust community networks and social services to provide emotional and practical support during major life events.

  2. Improve Access to Mental Health Services
    Ensure affordable and timely access to mental health care, including counseling and therapy, particularly during transitional periods (e.g., job loss, bereavement).

  3. Promote Workplace Mental Health Programs
    Encourage employers to offer mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and digital group sessions like October, which support coping skills and resilience.

  4. Develop Public Education Campaigns
    Raise awareness about stress management, normalizing help-seeking behaviour and teaching coping strategies.

  5. Provide Financial Safety Nets
    Strengthen unemployment benefits, housing assistance, and other financial supports to reduce economic stress during life changes.

  6. Facilitate Stable Housing and Employment
    Implement policies to promote affordable housing and job security to minimize stress related to instability.

These combined approaches can help reduce the overall stress experienced by citizens during significant life transitions.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

How a Company Can Lower Life Changes Stress

  1. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
    Allow employees to adjust their schedules or work remotely to better manage personal transitions.

  2. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
    Use tools like October's digital group sessions and content to help employees cope with life changes effectively.

  3. Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
    Give employees confidential access to counseling and support services.

  4. Encourage Open Communication
    Promote a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing stressors related to life changes.

  5. Provide Training for Managers
    Equip leaders with skills to recognize and support employees experiencing stress due to life changes.

  6. Foster Social Support Networks
    Create peer support groups or buddy systems within the company.

These steps can significantly reduce stress caused by life changes and improve overall workplace wellbeing.